12/12/01
Thirty-five teachers at Balga Senior High School were the first of more than 14,000 teachers to receive notebook computers today, in a program to help teachers to integrate the use of information and communications technologies into classrooms.
Handing over the first of the state-of-the-art computers, Education Minister Alan Carpenter said teachers would have low-cost, subsidised access to notebook computers complete with software, network access, training, insurance and support.
"This is an important step to help ensure teachers have the knowledge and means to effectively bring modern technology into the classroom," Mr Carpenter said.
"The computers will electronically link teachers to the networks in their school to help them access curriculum material to prepare for classes.
"Importantly, the teachers will receive expert support to set up and use the computers with participation in the project enabling them to have to have access to professional development.
"The notebooks will be available to teachers for an average net cost of about $5 a week and will be distributed to all teachers who want them by the end of next year."
Mr Carpenter said the former Coalition Government had let the State's teachers down badly over the notebook program that will cost an estimated $37million over four years.
"The previous Government negotiated the deal with the teachers in their last wage agreement but did not fund it.
"Fortunately, this Government has been able to come up with the funds and will go through with this important initiative."
The Minister said the recent Taskforce on Structures, Services and Resources Supporting Government Schools reported that rapid changes in Information and Communication Technologies presented real challenges to schools and teachers.
"The Notebook for Teachers Project addresses some of these challenges and will ensure that the roll-out of notebooks is co-ordinated with other technology infrastructure projects, including the recent $120million program to provide high speed network access for schools," he said.
Mr Carpenter said that Acer Computers had been awarded preferred supplier status to provide notebook computers for teachers in Government schools because they offered the best deal.
One thousand notebook computer packages have been earmarked for 19 schools (see list) in the short term and teachers at those schools who apply should be issued with them by the end of the 2001 school year.
Invitations to other schools to join the project will be issued early in 2002.
Mr Carpenter said it was important for teachers to be comfortable with modern technology and to be able to put it to work to produce improved outcomes for students.
He praised Balga Senior High School for putting a significant effort into developing its information technology to meet the learning needs of its students.
Minister's Office: 9213 6800
FIRST SCHOOLS TO RECEIVE NOTEBOOK COMPUTERS - DECEMBER 2001
